Angeles National Forest tent campsites near Altadena, California range from 2 to 8 miles from trailheads, creating varied hiking challenges for campers. The San Gabriel Mountains terrain features elevations between 2,000-5,000 feet where most backcountry campsites are situated. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at these elevations, while summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: Access Millard Falls via a half-mile trail from Millard Trail Campground. "Me and my girlfriend decided to go on this trail with our two doggos on a hot 95 degree day and we had such a good time the waterfall trail is nothing but shade provided by the trees foliage," reports Chris O.
Creek exploration: Multiple stream crossings mark the path to Gould Mesa Trail Campground. One camper noted, "It's around 2 miles to camp on a leveled surface with a few stream crossings... Running stream at site so no need to bring a lot of water, just a filtration system and a jug."
Winter hiking: Lower temperatures create ideal conditions for longer treks. A visitor to Spruce Grove Trail Campground shared, "Beyond the falls, the trail takes on a greater feeling of wilderness immersion. This section of Gabrielino Trail gets less foot traffic, making it a great retreat for those times when you need to feel far from LA."
What campers like
Access to water sources: Many tent sites near Altadena feature seasonal streams for filtering. A Bear Canyon visitor reported, "Follow the creek (which is GORGEOUS with waterfalls and shade in the spring) and go all the way to the end. Trail tends to get iffy at points, but you kinda get to know the flow of it if it disappears into rocks or the creek."
Weekday solitude: Midweek camping offers greater isolation at primitive sites. "I went during the week and was the only one camping. This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking," noted one Millard Trail Campground reviewer.
Wildlife encounters: Dawn wildlife viewing opportunities exist near many backcountry campsites. At Hoegees Trail Camp, campers report, "I have woke in the morning to deer on several occasions. I will come back here."
What you should know
Variable trail conditions: Route-finding skills may be required. A Bear Canyon camper advised, "Trail tends to get iffy at points, but you kinda get to know the flow of it if it disappears into rocks or the creek. You start to go uphill again and the creek switches its flow so you're suddenly walking up stream, then you'll be there!"
Car security concerns: Vehicle break-ins occur at some trailheads. A Millard camper warned, "Make sure to leave your car doors unlocked, and nothing of value inside. You'd rather have someone root through your car and walk away empty handed than have a window broken and items stolen."
Fire restrictions: Rules change seasonally and vary by location. At Mount Lowe Trail Campground, one visitor emphasized, "Check on camp fires permitted (last time I was there ABSOLUTELY NO FIRES ALLOWED)."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Choose sites with gentler access routes for first-time young hikers. "Took some friends for their first ever backpacking trip, great intro to the 'experience.' Trail camp is in the canyon so it's an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon," noted a visitor to Valley Forge Trail Camp.
Water crossing fun: Kids enjoy stream crossings common on many trails. At Spruce Grove, a camper noted, "This is a hike in campground that has stoves and a creek running through. The sites are nicely spaced and there is plenty of shade. Perfect little backpacking trip."
Toilet considerations: Vault toilets exist at some sites but not all. "The toilets were boarded up but Winter Creek was flowing well," reported one Hoegees visitor, suggesting families bring portable waste bags when camping at sites without facilities.
Tips from RVers
Alternative staging areas: Since most tent campsites near Altadena require hiking access, RVers typically use frontcountry locations as base camps. At Idlehour Trail Campground, "The best way to get here is from Eaton Canyon, park legally on the streets, take the truck road up to and through Henninger Flats for about a mile past the flats."
Trailhead parking limitations: Size restrictions affect where larger vehicles can park. "The parking lot is just behind the corner out of view," noted an Edoardo A. at Millard campground, highlighting the proximity but limited space for larger vehicles.
Weekend congestion: Arrive early to secure trailhead parking. "Very busy on weekends," warns one Millard visitor, while another mentioned, "Parking fills up within an hour on weekends so get there as soon as the parking lot opens at 6am."
